New York, NY Public Health Rules: Calorie Labeling (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Chains with 15+ locations nationally
- Enforcing agency
- DOHMH and DCWP
- Required statement
- 2,000 calories/day, needs vary
- Placement
- Calories adjacent to item name/price
- Effective date
- December 1, 2016
Summary
NYC requires chain food service establishments with 15 or more locations nationally to post calorie counts next to every standard menu item on menus and menu boards, plus a 2,000-calorie context statement, enforced by DOHMH under Health Code §81.50.
(2) Covered establishment means a food service establishment or similar retail food establishment that is part of a chain with 15 or more locations nationally doing business under the same name and offering for sale substantially the same menu items... (c)(1) Number of calories. Menus and menu boards must provide the number of calories contained in each standard menu item. Information must be posted for each item as it is usually prepared and offered for sale.
Full Breakdown
Under NYC Health Code §81.50, any "covered establishment", a food service or similar retail food establishment that is part of a chain with 15 or more locations nationally under the same name offering substantially the same menu items, must list the calorie count adjacent to each standard menu item's name or price, in type no smaller than the item name. Menu boards and every menu page must state: "2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs vary." Written nutritional information must be available on request. DOHMH and DCWP (formerly Consumer Affairs) both enforce; the current rule took effect December 1, 2016, mirroring FDA 21 CFR Part 101.
Violations & Fines
Failure to post required calorie counts or the nutrition-context statement is a Health Code violation citable by DOHMH or DCWP, carrying monetary fines assessed per the Board of Health penalty schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which restaurants must post calories in NYC?
What exact wording must appear on the menu?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
New York rules heatmap·Compare New York to another location·View the New York public health rules overview
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